As Lent approaches, many Catholic moms find that growing closer to God doesn't feel peaceful — it feels harder. Cravings intensify. Discouragement creeps in. Shame gets louder. Motivation fades.
In this episode, Sterling sits down with Denise Jelinek (Weight Loss with the Holy Spirit) to talk about five common spiritual attacks that often show up when you're pursuing a deeper relationship with the Lord — especially during Lent.
We talk about:
Why spiritual attacks are a normal sign of growth, not failure
The 5 most common attacks Catholic moms experience during Lent
How fasting and sacrifice disrupt disorder (and why the enemy hates that)
Cravings, pride, discouragement, despair, and self-reliance — and how they sneak in
Why "white-knuckling" Lent often backfires
How discernment, grace, and the sacraments change everything
This conversation is honest, deeply Catholic, and grounded in the truth that God desires your holiness — not performative suffering or self-hatred.
If Lent has felt heavy, discouraging, or confusing in the past, this episode will help you understand why — and how to walk forward with clarity, trust, and peace.
Denise's links:
🎧 Her podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weight-loss-with-the-holy-spirit/id1708433539
🖥 Website: http://www.weightlosswiththeholyspirit.com/
Join Sterling for our Mary's Heart, Martha's Order 6-week challenge this Lent here: https://catholicmomcalm.com/marysheart/
💜 Sterling